Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. has nearly 100 healthcare providers with different jobs and titles. What do these titles mean and what care does everyone offer? This is the second in a series explaining who our providers are and what they do to keep you and your family healthy. Click here to read the first post in the series.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a physician trained to check vision and prescribe corrective eyewear, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Some even perform functional and cosmetic facial plastic surgery. Because they are trained in all these areas, ophthalmologists can provide comprehensive and appropriate care to their patients without needing to refer them to other doctors.
Photo courtesy of CEENTA
An ophthalmologist is different from an optometrist or optician. Optometrists and opticians are not medical doctors. Optometrists are licensed to perform vision tests, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, detect some eye irregularities, and prescribe medication for some eye diseases. An optician, meanwhile, designs, tests, and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses. They don’t test vision or write prescriptions.
How does someone become an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist must complete college and medical school, and then complete a one-year internship followed by a residency at least three years long. Ophthalmologists also have the option of pursuing a sub-specialty fellowship. The most popular fellowships are for the retina, the cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology.
What are some of the conditions Ophthalmologists treat?
In addition to giving eye exams, writing corrective eyewear prescriptions, and, in some cases, performing laser vision correction, ophthalmologists treat more serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, cornea issues, strabismus, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmologists are also trained to perform surgical procedures to treat these conditions when needed.
How many Ophthalmologists does CEENTA have?
CEENTA has 36 ophthalmologists, including four who have pediatric fellowships. Many of our doctors have also been involved in award-winning research, bringing innovative, high-quality care to their patients here.
Where can I get eye treatment at CEENTA?
Eye services are offered at 12 offices in North Carolina – SouthPark, Belmont, Blakeney, Concord, Huntersville, Matthews, Monroe, Pineville, Salisbury, Statesville, Steele Creek, and University.
Dr. Scott Sutherland. Photo courtesy of CEENTA
“Not only does CEENTA provide one-stop shopping for all your eye care needs, we also provide the highest level of expertise in the region,” CEENTA Ophthalmologist F. Scott Sutherland, MD, said. “CEENTA has more sub-specialty trained physicians than any other eye care facility between Atlanta and the Research Triangle.”
To make an appointment with a CEENTA eye doctor, call 704-295-3000.
